MARIAH's "Great River Road" Adventure begins

[MARIAH]

In the depth of winter she was looking through a magazine.
She said: “We could drive The Great River Road”.
Interrupting his fast forward of the NASCAR race, He said: “What River?”.
She said: “The Mississippi”.

Not counting the Pensacola trip for a Marine Reunion two years ago, or the Key West trip last year for our 50th Anniversary, it had been four long years since our last real Cobra adventure, a 3600 mile round trip to Nova Scotia.

Thus began the planning for the next MARIAH Adventure. Sure enough there is an established Great River Road with attending signs, logical stops and paths down both sides of the river.

Seems simple enough. Probably 4500 miles or so over maybe 14 days if we can hold out at our age!. 10 states, most of them twice. A three day drive up the Interstates to northern Minnesota where we step over the headwaters of the Mississippi and the beginning of The Great River Road. Then we just turn South and follow the river. The Lady has been to New Orleans twice and was NOT going back. So we plan to exit at Natchez, following the Natchez Trace back to Nashville before heading East to the S.C. Upstate. If we exit early because of the unseen, the river will still be there for a later drive.

As usual, we plan to avoid the cities and look for the adventures. It is an Adventure so there are no Reservations. Cobra Earl’s Dropped Trunk is again ready for duty. The tent, a new Queen air mattress & pump, two chairs, cooler, auxiliary windows, camping items, TV table and one suitcase for the luggage rack, HER clothes, some snacks, tool box, Fix-A-Flat, Jumper Cables, RainX, cleaning gear and some other items stashed around the cockpit. We expect to camp at least a few times if weather and insects allow and views encourage such.

There are Itineraries for the GRR on the web but we’ll make our decisions each day over coffee and remain ready for the unexpected. Some eagle sightings, some Dam/lock overlooks, some ferry crossings, hopefully a dinner cruise on the River. I am sad to report that all of the Ten Best Iowa Donut shops are far West of our path, but I choose to remain hopeful!

The oil change is current. The rear tires were showing wear, so she got new ones. Whitby’s hardtop is in place with a strip of clear duct tape across the windshield to lessen rain drips. The door latches are tight and no mid-trip latch maintenance is expected. She made shoulder harness pads. Towels are rolled up beside the seats. Rain suits stashed. We made a new dash cover as MARIAH’s Wimbledon White reflections are a serious distraction on the road. A supply of maps and travel books, our phones and one Computer. Two Midlands Radios to improve communications. His & Her’s Frogg Togg Cooling wraps. A misting water fan just in case. Wish Whitby had an AC kit! Picked up a new twin cup holder at AutoZone that will handle our Yeti cups. Replaced the wiper blades.

All we need Sunday after worship is ice in the cooler. Computer stays here so only the phones for mail, etc. Pictures may follow as possible.

Let the Adventure begin!

[seagull81]

Sounds like a fun trip! Safe travels.

[jolsen42]

Philip, you guys are amazing. I know you'll do it and be successful. Have a safe trip!

"Away out here they have a name, for Rain and Wind and Fire. The rain is Tess, the fire is Joe, and they call the wind MARIAH"

John O

[John4337]

Safe travels, and enjoy the drive. We’re looking forward to the photos.

John

[DVANSLEEN]

Have fun guys. Sounds like you have all of the bases covered. As they say, "Let it rip. tater chip"

[Al_C]

Wow! This sounds like fun. Can't wait to see photos.

[Garry Bopp]

Phillip,

Safe travels, my friend! What an adventure! Keep us posted with pics, etc, please.

Garry

[Bobby Doug]

Thanks for adding to my list of travels.�� looking forward to your posts.

[Bren]

Make sure you stop at the Potosi brewery.

[PaulProe]

Thru Iowa and Northern Illinois, you are teased with two lane country roads that in one instance are right on the water, and a few miles later, you're in the middle of farmland and not a river in sight. We've driven this and really enjoy it.

The River Road in the Saint Louis area is extremely scenic. You'll enjoy the drive between Grafton, IL and Alton, IL. Right along the edge with high bluffs beside it. Maybe a tow & barges beside your drive.

The Mississippi River in Memphis - Mud Island is a must do. They have the river and all its elevations in scale that you can walk along/over. The 954 miles is scaled into a 5 block long walk, all true to scale. http://www.mudisland.com

Keep in touch, the Saint Louis guys might come out and escort you thru the area We've got a couple Navy guys and an Air Force grunt who could keep the lowly Marine from getting lost in this part of the country.

Do you have a rough estimate when you'll be thru this part of the trip

Paul

[MARIAH]

We're back..............
12 days
4600 miles
Missed a few places but saw some wonderful places.
Civility may be lacking in some places, but there is NO lack of Corn in America. It was everywhere!
Two "frog stranglers" and several "wettings" but Hardtop kept out most of the rain.
Going to have to scrap the Suitcase. One to many wettings.
One "near miss" but we were always on alert for others.
HOT, HOT, HOT going and coming. SHE vows no more July Adventures....We'll see.
One acorn nut fell off the Passenger sunvisor.....otherwise she lost no parts.
All gas less than $3/gal
More later, but we've got some catching up to do, grass to mow, etc and some photos to sort.
We LOVE our Factory Five Adventure Machine.

[CVOBill]

Welcome back...